Red Mountain - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There are plenty of things to do at Red Mountain, no matter what your interests are. For the adventurous types, there's hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Or, if you prefer to stay on solid ground, there's horseback riding and ATV tours. The area is also popular for its camping and fishing opportunities. And of course, no visit to Red Mountain would be complete without taking a scenic drive or enjoying a picnic lunch with a view. There are also a number of golf courses in the area, as well as fishing and boating on nearby lakes. 

Red Mountain, Ouray County, Colorado is a small town with a rich history. Founded in the late 1800s, the town was originally a mining community. The miners came for the bountiful deposits of silver and lead, and they quickly established a thriving community. In the early 1900s, the town was also a popular stop on the narrow gauge railroad that ran through the area. Today, Red Mountain is a popular destination for tourists who come to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area and to experience a bit of its history. The town has several museums and historic sites, as well as many shops and restaurants. Visitors can also take advantage of the many hiking and camping opportunities in the surrounding mountains.

Ouray County is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you're looking for. Summer is the busiest time of year, when hikers and climbers flock to the area to take advantage of the warmer temperatures and longer days. Fall is a beautiful time to visit, when the leaves start to change color and the air gets crisp. Winter is perfect for skiing and snowboarding, and spring is lovely for wildflower viewing. 

1. Bring a jacket, even if it's summertime. The temperature can drop quickly in the mountains.
2. Be prepared for altitude sickness. If you're not used to being at high altitudes, take it easy at first and drink plenty of water.
3. Watch out for wildlife! Bears and mountain lions are known to frequent the area.
4. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. hiking off-trail is not recommended due to the rocky terrain and potential for getting lost.
5. Remember that cell service is spotty at best in the mountains, so don't rely on it for directions or emergencies.
6. Make sure you have a map of the area, so you don't get lost on the way up or down. 

1. Red Mountain gets its name from the reddish-brown color of its rocks and soils.
2. The mountain is home to a variety of plants and animals, including pika, marmots, elk, and deer.
3. Red Mountain is home to several glaciers, including the famous Blue Glacier.
4. Red Mountain is one of the tallest mountains in the San Juans, measuring in at 14,197 feet above sea level.
5. Red Mountain is adjacent to another well-known Colorado mountain, Mount Sneffels.
6. The two mountains are connected by a saddle known as Saddleback Ridge.

Depending on your interests, you could spend a few hours hiking the trails, climbing the rock formations, or simply admiring the views. If you're interested in history, you could spend days visiting the old mining towns and learning about the area's rich past. And of course, if you just want to relax and enjoy the scenery, you could easily spend a week or more doing nothing but enjoying the incredible views. 

The trailhead can be reached by taking Highway 550 north from Ouray. After a few miles, you will see a sign for Red Mountain Road. Follow this road until it dead-ends at the trailhead parking area. From there, simply follow the trail to the summit.

The fee is $5 per person per day, or $10 per family per day. 

 Red Mountain area is only open during certain hours. During the summer, the trail is open from 6:00 Am to 8:00 PM. In the winter, the trail is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. These hours allow hikers to enjoy the beauty of Red Mountain while staying safe.